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The silver badge and the purple wristband are symbols of awareness of overdose and its effects. Wearing these can signify the loss of someone cherished; or demonstrate support to those undergoing grief. It sends out a message that every person’s life is valuable and that stigmatising people who use drugs needs to stop.

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Hosting your own International Overdose Awareness Day event or activity, or attending one, is a powerful way to stand together to remember people who have lost their lives to overdose.

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Time to Remember, Time to Act

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life.

Do you recognise the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it?

These videos include people affected by the impact of drugs use and overdose who share some of their stories.

“There wasn’t any white light. I didn’t make out Jesus or see my dead family members. It was just oblivion and it was very frightening.”

Remember

To: Lee Anne Brown
To a great friend and mate
You should of never been taken from us
but the lord wanted you way too soon
Thinking of you each day
Love always
Your mate
Roseanne

Roseanne Hughes

My wife overdosed just 4 months before I was released from federal prison after serving 11 years. During my incarceration she constantly told me that she was clean and waiting for my release. I felt as if my heart was ripped from my chest. Well I continue to stay clean and support those people who have a desire to stop using.

Posted 20/07/2018

Greg

An amazing person has passed away yesterday morning, Dan Grym. Taken away at the young age of eighteen and nobody is able to nor wants to believe it. You put a smile on everybody's faces whenever you were around and could always be counted on to have a good time with. I wish there was something I could do to change what has happened. We all miss you so much and you will be in every single heart of your friends until we meet again. I hope you are with your brother saving all of us spots when we meet again. Fly high bro, you may have only been 18 but you will live on forever.<3

Massapequa

Two days ago my 22 year old son, Geoff, found his lifelong best friend, Zakk, dead of a heroin overdose. He called 911 and tried CPR but it was too late. Now, Geoff is helping the family plan the funeral. As a mom, I feel profound sadness for my son; that he is having to go through this and will live the rest of his life with that memory. I also miss Zakk desperately -- he was like another son to me and went with us on vacations and day trips and when we ate out. His birthday would have been the 24th and my younger son's is the 25th and we always celebrated their birthdays together. This year's celebration won't feel like much of a celebration. No parent should have to bury their child 2 days before their 23rd birthday.
Zakk was a beautiful kid, patient and kind and showing so much love. He always kissed me on the cheek when he saw me and would say "Hello, Beautiful!". His internal struggles weren't always apparent on his smiling face. Heroin is an awful drug and so much more needs to be done about prevention and helping addicts escape it's grip. We are losing an entire generation of young people to something that consumes and destroys their lives.

Ginger

Casey,
It seems impossible that 10 years have passed since we lost you to heroin and the disease of addiction. There's never been a day in those ten years that you have not been deeply and desperately missed. We miss your smile, your laughter, your wit, your hugs - we miss all that was YOU. Your dad and I continue to be the keeper of your light as we share "Casey's Law" with other families in KY and across the country. You have made a difference in this world, Casey, and we are so blessed to have had you for 23 years. Thank you for being our son. We love you so and always will.

Your mom and dad

Beau Andrew Dal, you easily charmed everyone who ever met you. You were only 22 years young and life wasn't always easy. We thought you were on the up, but you sadly you left us.
Eight years on and you've still never left our minds.
Melbourne, Australia

Sinead

I was married to my husband for 5 years we lived happily together for these years and not until my husband traveled to Australia for a business trip where she met this girl and since then she hates me and the kids and the love She alone So when my husband returned from the trip he said he did not want to see me and my kids again so he took us outside the house and now he was going to Australia to see that other woman. So I and my children were now so frustrated and I was just staying with my mother and I was not treating well because my mother married another man after my father death so the man I married was not and my kids were so confused and I was looking for a way to get my husband back home because I love him and I appreciate him so much, so one day while I was surfing on my computer I saw a testimony about this DR EDDY the spellcaster testimonies Shared on the internet by a lady LINDA and I am so impressed that I also think of giving it a try. At first I was afraid but when I think of what I and my children are going through so I contacted him and he told me to stay calm for only 24 hours that my husband will come back to me and to my best surprise I have Received a call From my husband on the second day asking after the children and I called DR EDDY and thank him for sovling my problems, So this how I get my family back after a long brake stress up by an evil lady so with all this help from Dr EDDY, I want all of you in this forum to join me to say a huge thank you to DR EDDY and I will also advice for anyone in such or similar problems or any kind of problems should also contact him his email is (dreddyspiritualtemple@gmail.com) he is the solution to all the problems and predicaments in the lifetime. Again his email address is (dreddyspiritualtemple@gmail.com )
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paulines

Liv baby, I miss you so much. You were so insightful for a 19-year-old. You would always be willing to listen if I was having troubles. I'm sorry that I couldn't help you with your struggles more. I think about you every day. Your 20th Birthday is coming up. I hope you're at peace now, and that all your hardships have left you. I love you so much. 2/2/93-3/4/12

Juli

April Greenwell....~~never to forget~~

Elizabethton TN USA

Brandy Shoun

Edward passed away 8/9/2016, When you were born that was the happiest Day if my life. Watching you grow was so precious. You brought me so much joy words can't express it. I watched you grow from and infant to a handsome young man. You were such a loving and caring young man. You always made me laugh and always had live in your heart. For others. Your death has brought me much sadness to me and your family. U wish you has told me me you had a heroin addiction. You were depressed and just rrues to solve the problem. Yourself. Your accidental death of overdose to heroin breaks my heart. I will always live u my son you brought we great joy. I pray u are at peace now and look forward to the Day when we will meet again and I can hold u so tight and never let u go. Rest now my sin be free and sing with the angels.

Patricia

In loving memory of my Mommy.... You were taken from me on 1/26/12 and it still feels like yesterday. I miss you with every breath I take. You fought your battles and tried to out run your demons but your cross was too heavy to bear. For too long you struggled with depression and narcotic abuse was a new way of "dealing" with that depression. There will always be a hole in my heart. I can't believe you're gone. I miss and love you so very much!

Jessica

I know lots of people who are missing you Salena....and wished I had been involed when you were struggling. But your memory lives on, in my step daughter's heart.

Lisa

In honor and memory of our son, Jeremy D. Henry - November 1977 - August 2016. I honor and hold close to my heart the person you were; not the behaviors associated with the disease of addiction. Your deep love for your family, your zest for the outdoors, and your smile and kind heart will forever be etched in my heart. We love and miss you every minute of every day. Losing a child to addiction means you didn’t get to say goodbye, and you have to deal every day with the stigma of being a parent whose child died from drug use. We will battle this as well, and reach out to others struggling. Love you forever Jeremy -- Mom, Dad, AJ, Mallary, Collins, Julie, Brooke, Rylie, Katrin, Spencer
Jefferson City MO - USA

Patty Henry

I miss you so much Brett.

Kitchener

Diane Scott

A special tribute to my family members that have gone too soon! !!
Joseph "Joey" Erhardt, Frank Mazenkas, Jessica Clifford, Christopher Zawadzki, Brandon Race, & Joseph "JB" Bennett
We have lost so much already I just pray that this cycle is broken.
We will always remember and miss you !

Janet V.

To my beautiful son Hunter - You blessed each and everyone you came in contact with. Your love, kindness, joy and laughter was magnetic. You loved your baby girl for a lifetime and LOLA is truly blessed to have had you as her daddy. You taught me more about love and life than life itself, we fought this war together. I am so proud of how hard you fought! Heaven is a better place because of you. You were larger then life with love and an ANGEL YOU WERE AND WILL ALWAYS BE. God bless my sweet boy - my QUAN I LOVE YOU , MAMA XOXO♥♥♥

Healy

Keely Rae Stansill passed away Aug 17,2010 . Daughter, mother, sister, friend to many. I love and miss you so very much !

Mom

As our state lies very near to the Golden Triangle and just next to Burma. Since Manipur is surrounded by Burma from different sides heroin is available and cheap. And the fertility of Manipur is also very much suitable for cultivating poppy plants. In recent years an area of 220 sq km of cultivated poppy plant has been found along with equipment for processing heroin. Also, the NH 39 highway is the main route for drug trafficking in bulk. So the rate of overdose is highest.

Nishikanta Elangbam

To: Tolly
Thinking of you always

Craig

Jonathon S. Golden 8/22/1987 - 5/9/2016
An amazing brother, friend and son.
Jon impressed me with his wit and humor; he had the best impressions and always came up with hilarious nicknames for everyone. He was a super talented artist. Everywhere we went, he was drawing on napkins and receipts. He was in love with Boston and would take photos all around the city of landmarks, views and every-day happenings. Most of all, he was an amazing brother and loved spending time with his family. Jesse and I will always take you with us through our life, we hope we make you proud. Stay with us, angel.

Briana

To my brother Andrew (passed 10/5/2012) you are in my thoughts daily never to be forgotten. May the pain & suffering we have endured some how touch & save the lives of others suffering from addiction. We know you're finally at peace in a much better place. xoxo

Adrienne

My son David .I hope you have found in death the peace you couldn't find in life. You were loved more than you ever knew. The only thing we wanted was for you to live, not just be alive. You take ours hearts with you and you will always be missed by those that loved you so much..
Lexington, NC

Glenda

As a recovering heroin addict, I have known my fair share of friends and acquaintances who have overdosed. I've overdosed and am lucky enough to still be here today. I'd like my tribute to be for all those that have not made it out alive. And for the friends and families that lost them. And especially for those still struggling. Please know there is help & a light at the end of the tunnel. #IOAD

Melissa

To my dear brother, Joshua Charles Bennett,
I wish you were still here with us. Our collective hearts are broken into thousands of pieces. Nothing will ever be the same.
I wish you had chosen life. I wish you had believed in yourself. I wish you had surrounded yourself with happy and healthy people who truly loved you.
I miss you.

your sis, Laura

I miss you more and more every day Jay.....I know you did not want this pain for us, but now with you gone I know that pain you endured every day was out of your own control. 36 was too young. Your contagious laugh and beautiful smile will never be forgotten. Love your sis, Krimmy.

Kimberly

My beloved sonnie who lost his battle to a predator at an na meeting. Sonnie was 27 years old, a school teacher and had health issues. My only son. I love you and when I take my last breath I pray our God will send you to take me home.

Terri

In loving memory of Grog, my best friend, my brother. He passed away from an accidental methadone overdose. He was the funniest person in the room at all times! He was an amazing father of 4 kids but tragically he left this world before his time. No one could save him from himself, and I try to tell myself everything happens for a reason but nothing fills that void we all have in our lives now. He is very much missed and I can't wait to see him again one day! Love you grog ❤️

Brittany

To Whitney Dayle Carmack---7/8/89-2/15/13....My only child.....You will forever be in my heart. xamanu

Mum

In loving memory of Daniel Cedric Rae and Alverta "bird" Neuder. Both taken away from family and friends way too soon by the disease known as addiction. There isnt a second that goes by that you arent missed dearly! I just hope that you both are finally at peace. Until we meet again, my love to you both always <3
Saxton, Pennsylvania U.S.A.

Shawna

So many have passed already this year......my mom being the hardest....I love u so much JODI LYNN FRANKLIN I'd love could have saved you; you would have lived forever WHOLE entire world Fireworks AND back

Jami

RIP Skylar B.
Kawartha Lakes Ontario Canada

Frank D.

My baby brother, Nick, passed away on August 10, 2015 at the young age of 25. He fought hard against the disease of addiction for many years. I just want everyone to know how much he fought & how proud I am of him. He is a kind-hearted, funny, loyal person & friend who loved life. He loved his nephew & nieces & they adored him. We love him...I love him & will keep him in my heart forever. Nick- keep talking to me

Julia

On October 24th, 2015, myyy best friend died of an overdose. His name is Timmyyy. Timothy F. Milam, Jr. I miss him soooo much everyy single dayy. He died alone. His girlfriend had warrants out for her arrest and so she didn't call for help right awayy. She waited and then had someone call while she hid. He should be here todayy. His overdose should have been a wake-up call. I should have held his hand while praying to GOD for another chance. I found out the next dayy along with his family. My heart breaks that he was alone. I'm sorryyy Timmyy. I miss you. I love you.

Mary

May they all rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. God bless all of us here on earth.

Georgianna

I've lost 7 people to Heroin overdoses just this past year , 2 the year before that -and the love of my life 3 years ago. The drug is slithering around me, creeping into my friends lives and ending them. It scares me.

Joey, the day the addiction devil took you from us was one of the worst, but I know you are smiling down on all of us. I am graduating with a BSW and specialization in substance abuse in 5 months. Everything I do is for you, and I promise you, I will make a change. Love You.

Sammy

There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of you and wish you were still here with us. You are missed so terribly much. To think how many lives heroin has taken, and wonder why yours had to be one of them, breaks our hearts. You fought addiction each and every day for so long, yet we NEVER gave up or lost hope. Hopefully having your angel wings has removed all the pain and darkness you felt in your heart. Ryan, your brother, your very best friend, struggles daily without you here and it breaks my heart so much to see him live with daily sadness in his heart. Love you and miss you with all of our hearts, always and forever, rest in peace ERIC RUSSELL ANDERSON 2-23-82– 10-27-2013. Love you, Anne and Ryan (Eric’s brother)

Anne & Ryan

Adrian 10/30/88-08/10/17
We love you and miss you so much. You will be in our hearts forever. We will meet you in heaven.

Leitchfield, KY USA

Kacey

Our darling boy, Tommy-Vincent Foley aged 31yrs. Lost to heroin 18/04/2014. We lost part of ourselves many years before he went to heaven. Not my son, surely.... but yes, my son. The incredulity of it all is amazing. How could this be true? I love you my beloved son. xxx

Patricia

Love you Christopher, you are embedded in my broken heart forever. My lingering feeling is I could have done more; but in the end, it was you and you alone battling this addiction. Peace be with you and your beautiful spirit.

Mom

Loving memory of my son, forever 25, John Andrew.(09212015) I love you and miss you more than I could ever explain. Your forever in my heart and mind, until .............
I love ya Mush
Mom

Judi

My love of my life and bestfriend died of an overdose August 18th 2015 . Andrew Loveland was an amazing person and just struggle with substances for quit some time. As have I. We miss him so much. I miss him so much. I miss our talks and most of all i miss his voice and eyes. I know hes here still with us in spirit. Its been a long hard year for us all and I am fighting real hard to make sure I keep he memory alive and to stay clean myself

Larry

Our wonderful, talented, funny son Ryan passed away on May 12, 2016. Ryan was 27 and held a mechanical engineering degree. He was someone who wasn't afraid to fight for what he wanted, but opiates were a competitor Ryan didn't know how to battle. Hopefully this epidemic will spur new scientific research to advance the treatments available for addiction.

Sterling, MA. USA

Tammy Brunelle

My son struggled with addiction for over 20 years. He was a highly sensitive, gentle soul and suffered mental health issues. He was very smart, but was not motivated for any type of work. He lost his battle on July 23rd, 2017. All a parent wants for their child is to find happiness. I pray that now, he is free and happy. I will never stop loving him.
Colorado, United States

Judy

In memory of Joey Dempsey... My brother, a son, uncle, daddy and friend.RIP 4-28-15 Until we meet again...
I dont do it for you but in memory if you #ODAAT 10/16/16 Ily xoxo

Daina N Dempsey

I lost my son, Jonathan Taylor Nelson o 2/12/15 to a heroin overdose. He was 24 years old. My life and family is forever changed. I miss him with every breath I take.

Cindy

To my brother Andrew and sister Helen. You were my best friends. Love you and miss your more with each anniversary. Understand your pain now. X

Edinburgh

Jackie

My brother, Matthew Patrick Dostick, passed away from an overdose containing fentanyl May 1st, 2018. He was just 30 years old. He Had a lot of life to live. He admitted he had a problem, and I only wish he would had the strength and followed through on the help that he wanted to seek. We were all here for him if ever needed. His addition ultimately won. And we miss him. Trying to keep his memory alive as much as I can! May he Rest In Peace.

Posted 11/08/2018

Sherrie

Matt Cinamon
9/12/85 -10/11/17
"You left me with beautiful memories, your love is still my guide. And tho I cannot see you ... your always at my side "
For the rest of my life, I will love you.

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Penington Institute is collecting your information on this page for the primary purpose of staying connected with you and keeping you aware of activities of interest to you about International Overdose Awareness Day. For this purpose Penington Institute may securely provide your contact details to its service providers including MailChimp and WordPress.